Irish police are hunting a convicted sex offender on the run from the UK.

Mian Mujahid Ali Shahid, 19, was spotted in the Foynes area of Limerick earlier this month.

The Pakistani national, who lived for a time in Scotland, was convicted in his absence at Stafford Crown Court in April of two counts of sexual assault on an 18-year-old woman.

He was later sentenced, also in his absence, to 30 months in prison.

Police in the UK, who have an outstanding warrant for Shahid's arrest, believe he fled from Scotland to Ireland earlier this year.

After a request for help, the Garda launched a search for the sex offender.

Inquiries so far have led to a sighting in the Foynes areas of Limerick on August 11.

"Following the receipt of a European arrest warrant, Gardai have carried out extensive enquires but have failed to establish his current whereabouts," a Garda spokesman said.

"Our enquiries would indicate that he is still in this jurisdiction.

"Gardai continue to liaise closely with Police Scotland and the Staffordshire Police in relation to this matter."

They have appealed for Shahid to turn himself in, warning him he is also subject to the reporting provisions of the Sex Offenders Act in Ireland.

Investigators also want to speak to the driver of a car in which the offender was seen travelling in the Foynes area.